At Newton Farm, we want every child to see themselves as a scientist. We nurture curiosity and creativity, encouraging pupils to ask questions, explore the world around them and develop a lifelong love of science. Through practical investigations and meaningful real-world contexts, scientific enquiry skills are embedded within each topic the children study, helping them to answer questions about how and why the natural and physical world works.
Carefully sequenced learning enables children to build on their prior knowledge and deepen their understanding as they progress through the school. Topics are revisited and developed throughout their time at Newton Farm. For example, Plants are introduced in Key Stage 1 and revisited in greater depth throughout Key Stage 2. This approach allows children to make connections, build on their prior knowledge and develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts. All children are encouraged to develop and apply a range of scientific skills, including making observations, planning enquiries and carrying out investigations. Specialist vocabulary is explicitly taught and developed, while effective questioning encourages children to communicate, explain and justify their ideas.
We want children to understand that science matters beyond the classroom. We explore how scientific knowledge shapes our everyday lives and how it can help us respond to important challenges facing our world. Sustainability and climate change are woven into our learning, empowering pupils to think critically about the choices we make and the future we want to create.
Celebrating the diversity of scientists, engineers and innovators, past and present, ensures children encounter inspiring role models from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures and fields. Our curriculum exposes children to a diverse selection of key scientists, helping pupils to challenge stereotypes and understand that there is no single type of scientist. We want every child to recognise that science is for everyone and that they too can contribute to the scientific world.
Above all, we want our pupils to leave Newton Farm as curious, confident and critical thinkers who can apply their scientific understanding to the world around them. We aim to inspire them to keep asking “What if?”, “Why?” and “How could we make a difference?”